POPULAR SCIENCE – Design For Living LP (1981)

Here’s a rare full length album from a manic minimal new wave trio that was from Rosedale, NY. The album whisks you into nine pulsing arrangements with twisted sound effects and lots of funky synth lines. Check out “Only In The Nighttime” for a foreboding minimal synth gem. It’s a quick race to the finish line, but this inventive indie trio keeps the energy bar high from song to song and you end up wanting more…Out of print private pressing via Rock-O-Phonic Records, NYC!!

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MOVEMENT – s/t EP (1984)

There are quite a few bands out there saddled with the name of Movement and many fit into the unheard of obscurity file such as this group’s stunning EP. This particular Movement was a French group comprised of four members and had a knack for producing rather dark inflected post punk guitar wave that at times steers in the coldwave arena. The vocals are in the English language, but have a heavy French accent that adds to the overall moody feel of these six songs…All the songs are top drawer quality, but a couple stand out…like the synth infused “Silent Guard” and the incessant marching of “And Time Forgets”…..This is another one that could pose quite a challenge to acquire for the vinyl collectors, but in the interim...check below:::

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BRAVE NEW TRIBE – For Those Who See EP (1989)

Brave New Tribe was an alternative new wave band from Florida. Although this EP was produced in the late 80’s, it’s very well crafted with a more mid 80’s indie sound and feel. The songs are full of soaring vocals, textured guitars and shimmering keyboard arrangements as a backdrop to a four song proceeding…The band definitely was exposed to radio play as this reviewed vinyl copy was once the property of radio station KXCI, which was a more independent leaning station in Tucson, AZ. They were known for playing an eclectic mix of lesser known artists…BNT were also spun on the student-run radio station WFIT at Florida Tech college. In the late 80's, WFIT was known as one of the top alternative college music stations in the country....This very scarce vinyl was a private pressing on Booming Bass Records out of FL.


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KINGDOMS – Heartland 12” (1984)

Closed eyes and picked something from the crate of 12”s and what do we have - - Yet another obscure new wave synth single from what seems to be an endless supply out of the United Kingdom’s 80’s alternative music scenes. A catchy, upbeat, polished formula that works…This group however, would go on to be the breeding ground for the much more popular indie rock band House Of Love…Both songs are extended versions…A 12” and 7” which seem to be widely available for the picking…

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CATWALK – Positive Thinking 7” (1985)

A self produced minimal synth obscurity from Covina, CA. The synths do have some impassioned moments and fire on all cylinders throughout “Positive Thinking”… And for the B side tune - ”Attention” - there’s a change in mode with a more upbeat vibe coupled with a new wave power pop flavor, but rest assured...the synths and sound effects still press away!!

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AVIATORS – s/t EP (1983)

Coming from the early 80’s indie Seattle, WA scene is this private label, out of print obscurity. The group of five had a new wave synth, guitar tinged sound which was accessorized by some kicking congas and bongos. Check out the funky styled single “Sometimes” and you get a feel of how they differentiated themselves with unique percussion elements. A different breed of new wave that can be found with a little digging around…

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WHEN KIDS ARE ALONE – Clouds Colliding single (1986)

Quite an obscurity is this loose single by a new wave oriented foursome out of Southern, California. There is absolutely no info to be culled other than they were on a Various Artists compilation with this only single via Taboo Records in Los Angeles, CA…thus no artwork to paste in the post…Its new wave pop that is reminiscent of the great White China, but with a much smaller production budget - DIY. If there is anyone out there that has info, please reply…take a listen:::


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MAPPING THE WORLD – s/t LP (1984)

On travel this week, so not much time for a write up on this new wave synth oddity….It’s quite rare and a private press on Swell Records…The group was American and consisted of three members that hit up on the drum kit sounds and provide ample portions of synth movements…Can be off the wall quirky at times and minimal at others...Check out below:::

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NO RIGHT NO WRONG – s/t EP (1986)

A worthy entrant to the vinyl obscurity realm is this Los Angeles based foursome’s lone four song effort in the mid 80’s. As one can tell by the back jacket pictures of the band members, you’re going to get thrown slices of new wave arrangements. The songs are high tempo with dominant synth lines parading throughout. There’s also some guitar work to give it a little edge from time to time. Their single “Modern Persuasion” seemed to have been a local radio favorite on the more alternative inspired stations. It looks to be a self released affair and long out of print.

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IQ ZERO - s/t 7" (1981)

Courtesy of CP out of San Francisco, on tap is a set of quirky numbers from a California new wave band that has chirpy minimal period synths and shared vocals, although the female wins out.. Private press on Public Beat Records, Santa Barbara, CA.

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THE FINE LINE – s/t EP (1988)

The Boston, MA indie scene was ripe with a myriad of underground indie rock bands in the mid 80’s…Here we have one such group who played a college rock type of sound such as more celebrated artists of the time - The Replacements, Feelies and early REM…This one is for the indie alternative rock fans who desire something off the beaten path and can appreciate the over looked obscurities….

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SCOOTER – One By One LP (1981)

Things start off in 2011 with what is probably one of the better album jacket artworks seen in a long time…This one is definitely an eye catcher…The band of five was from Belgium and this was their debut album. They would go on to produce one more album and an EP, but this is their best effort as their music would morph into a more rock orientation. One By One’s nine tracks fuse new wave and power pop elements with a high degree of success. So, for all you crate diggers out there, let’s have a successful 2011 with lots of great obscure indie finds…Some highlights:::
“You”

“Peppermint Girl”